GOP Strategist Debunks Latest Palin Death Panel Claim

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Last updated on August 10th, 2014 at 05:08 pm

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On CNN today GOP strategist Karen Hanretty debunked Sarah Palin’s latest claim about a death panel provision in the healthcare bill. She said, “Obviously, there is nothing in the bill that says death panel. I think that is some heated rhetoric.” Hanretty is now one of the few Republicans to go on TV and tell the truth about the death panel claim.

Here is the video courtesy of Media Matters:

When asked if Palin is right on the death panel provision, Hanretty said, “Obviously, there is nothing in the bill that says death panel. I think that is some heated rhetoric. You know I don’t really understand why anyone would have a problem with going to your physician and, sitting down with your physician and having a conversation about hospice and living wills, certainly my parents have done that, and I also think that if you truly believe that your physician is going to pressure you to end your life early, you should get a new physician.”

Since Karen Hanretty used truth and logic in a discussion instead of irrational fear, this video is a good chance to bring up the point that although the right wing fringe screams the loudest, there are a few rational Republicans left in the party. Whether or not these Republicans have a place in the leadership of the current GOP is a significant question.

If more Republicans would approach the healthcare debate honestly, instead of fear mongering, the outcome would be a bipartisan bill. However, Republicans aren’t interested in any healthcare bill. They want to say no to everything. It is nice to see a Republican tell the elderly that Barack Obama isn’t going to direct their doctor to kill them.

Jason Easley

Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.

Awards and Professional Memberships

Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association